A multi-storey car park in a town centre has been transformed, just in time for Christmas.

Medway council says the makeover for The Brook car park in Chatham has followed feedback from residents, with improvements to its three stairwells, parking bays, signage and new lighting.

The multi-storey has a long history of problems and in 2019 was the subject of a petition demanding that work be carried out because of its "appalling state".

The works began at the end of August and have been completed in time for the Christmas holidays and festive shopping, and the council says the three-month time frame meant the car park could remain open for shoppers.

As part of the transformation, the walls, ceilings and doors have been repainted and anti-graffiti covering has been used for easy cleaning – which is due to take place each day.

The car park’s windows have also been replaced, anti-slip flooring has been fitted in the stairwells, and new energy-saving LED lighting has been installed to improve visibility in the stairwells and parking bays.

The parking bay lines have also been repainted and earlier this year the council installed eight new parent and child car parking bays on the second and third floors, near the lifts, to make the car park more accessible and family friendly.

Medway Council’s portfolio holder for resources, Cllr Adrian Gulvin, said: “The Brook multi-storey car park is popular with shoppers, families visiting Medway’s two theatres and is close to a riverside walk and Chatham Community Hub.

"I am pleased we have made these improvements in time for Christmas.

"This car park is often the first place people start their visit to Medway’s city centre, so it’s important that it remains clean and tidy.

"I’d like to thank Norse employees for their hard work.”

To find out more about Medway car parks, visit medway.gov.uk/parking.

There will be free parking in all council-owned car parks from Thursday, December 15 to Sunday, December 18.